Ground Beam and Wall Panel Locking for Rapid Modular Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building construction methods are slow, costly, and prone to collapse in earthquake zones, necessitating a faster, more cost-effective, and earthquake-resistant solution.
Innovation Solution
A modular building system utilizing ground beams with male projections and securing means for wall panels, along with interlinking mechanisms like tongue and groove and L-shaped members, to create a secure and efficient construction framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional one metre or more foundations and brick and mortar construction are used, then structural strength and stability are achieved, but construction time increases to a minimum of four months and cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular components including pre-fabricated wall panels, ground beams with integrated projections, and standardized floor/roof assemblies. These segments are manufactured off-site and assembled on-location, reducing construction time from months to days while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Ground beams are pre-assembled with male projections integrated during manufacturing, and wall panels are pre-cut with corresponding slots and grooves. This preliminary preparation of connection elements before site assembly eliminates time-consuming on-site fabrication and ensures precise alignment during rapid assembly.
2Reliability
If traditional construction methods are used, then structural integrity is achieved, but the building is susceptible to collapse in earthquake zones
Solution Approach 1:
The modular connection system allows controlled movement and flexibility at joint interfaces through the male projection-slot assembly mechanism. This dynamic capability enables the structure to absorb and dissipate seismic energy through slight deformations and adjustments at connection points, preventing catastrophic collapse while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters between modular components are designed to allow controlled flexibility and movement. The male projections can shift within the slots, and the grooves accommodate lateral movements, changing the rigid fixed-parameter connection to a flexible variable-parameter connection that adapts to earthquake forces.
3Productivity
If modular components with male projections and securing means are used, then construction speed increases to a few days, but structural strength must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The male projection and securing means are merged into a single integrated connection element that combines mechanical interlocking with fastening capability. The projection fits into the slot to provide alignment and initial strength, while the groove and securing means provide additional anchorage, creating a unified connection system that is both rapid to assemble and structurally strong.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A ground beam for a modular constructed building (30) has a pair of surfaces (34, 35) for supporting one or more wall panels (2) and a longitudinally extending male projection (36) interspaced between the surfaces. The projection is capable of being at least partially inserted into a wall panel (2). In a modular constructed building a plurality of ground beams (2) and wall panels (2) are provided and securing means are provided for securing the wall panels to a respective beam.